# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Ducal Legacy of the 10th Baron
LONDON, 6 March 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the creation of the Duchy of Lancaster in 1351, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose monumental achievements continue to shape England’s royal heritage.
## The Occasion
From their Lincolnshire seat, whose history is deeply interwoven with the fabric of the nation, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile issued a statement of commemoration. The sixth of March marks the day King Edward III granted the first ducal charter to his most trusted lieutenant, Henry of Grosmont, elevating the Earldom of Lancaster to a Palatine Duchy.
This anniversary serves as a moment of quiet reflection for the House of Brattleby. It is an occasion to contemplate the immense responsibility and foresight of predecessors whose actions, undertaken nearly seven centuries ago, established one of the most significant and enduring land inheritances in the history of the British Crown.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with its 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, has been intrinsically linked to the governance and defence of the realm. This tradition of service found its apotheosis in Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron of Brattleby. A founding Knight of the Garter, a distinguished soldier, and a diplomat of European renown, his elevation to Duke of Lancaster was a recognition of unparalleled service to the Crown.
The Dukedom, created with special palatine rights, afforded him quasi-regal authority over his lands. Upon his death, the title and its vast holdings passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. It was through John of Gaunt's son, King Henry IV, that the Duchy of Lancaster was ultimately merged with the Crown, where it has remained ever since—a private estate of the reigning Sovereign, its origins firmly rooted in the Brattleby line.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy commemorated today was forged by figures of historical consequence. The baronial roll call includes Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron who established the family’s formidable presence in post-Conquest England. It features the indomitable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose heroic defence of Lincoln Castle for the King was a testament to the House's principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The central figures in the Duchy's foundation, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, were magnates who operated at the highest levels of European politics and warfare. Their stewardship transformed a significant landholding into a powerhouse of English royal administration, a legacy which The Noble House of Brattleby honours as a *sine qua non* of its historical identity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The creation of the Duchy of Lancaster was enacted with all the solemnity of medieval royal charter. The status of a county palatine, or ‘palatinate’, was a rare honour, granting the Duke the right to administer justice and collect revenues as if he were the king himself within his territory. This legal framework, established in the charter of 1351, is the very mechanism that ensures the Duchy’s survival to this day as a legal entity distinct from the Crown Estate.
This historical protocol of separating specific estates for the Sovereign’s private use informs modern royal and noble traditions of inheritance and stewardship. It underscores the importance of legal precision and continuity, concepts that remain central to the administration of ancient titles and their associated responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is embodied in its symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the character of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont, whose lives were defined by courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty.
This ancestral motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, the two mottos represent a powerful duality: the honourable discharge of inherited duty and the dynamic spirit required to ensure that legacy thrives in the modern world. The arms of the Duchy of Lancaster itself, derived from the royal arms of England and differenced with a label of France, visually represent its unique position as both royal and distinct.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Reflecting upon a legacy of such magnitude inspires a profound sense of modern duty. The vast landholdings once administered by the 10th and 11th Barons represent a historical duty of care that, for the current House, translates into a commitment to philanthropy. The principle of *noblesse oblige* is not a relic of the past but a living imperative.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar. The event’s beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen for its vital mission to provide specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, a cause that reflects the House’s dedication to nurturing and protecting the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
In her commemorative message, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we look back at the life of Henry of Grosmont, we see not just a powerful magnate, but a steward of immense foresight. The Duchy of Lancaster is his enduring monument, a reminder that true legacy is built not for oneself, but for posterity. Our duty today is to steward our own heritage with that same sense of fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The history of the Barony of Brattleby is a lesson in effective leadership. It demonstrates that tradition and progress must advance together. Whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we are guided by the principle that past achievements must fuel present-day purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its nine-century history through active and purposeful engagement in the twenty-first century. The story of the Duchy of Lancaster serves as a constant inspiration for the House’s work, from its support for child welfare to its promotion of cultural and social refinement through its etiquette academy.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to draw upon the rich lessons of its past to inform its future commitments. The enduring principles of service, honour, and strategic stewardship, exemplified by Henry of Grosmont, remain the guiding tenets as the House of Brattleby writes the next chapter of its long and distinguished story.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural and philanthropic service. It bridges its profound historical legacy with contemporary purpose through targeted charitable initiatives and educational programmes. Its principal activities include the annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the enduring values of duty, social responsibility, and the preservation of European heritage for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous history and the succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and father of King Henry IV). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com